CULTURA LOCAL
Not always sunny in San Francisco
Many people think California has sunny skies and warm weather 365 days a year, but it’s not true in San Francisco. It’s often foggy, temperatures over 80F are considered a heat waves, and the water is too cold for all but the heartiest souls at the beach. It rains in the winter, but seldom the rest of the year. April and October are two of the nicest months to vacation here. To have a comfortable vacation, check the climate for the time you plan to visit. You will probably need to pack warmer vacation clothing that you might think. As you may have heard uttered once or twice before….”The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”
Forget the car
Public transportation in San Francisco is quite convenient, and it is easy to get to even the farthest corners of the city. You can buy a one day visitor pass for $13, a 3 day pass for $20, or a 7 day pass for $26 from the ticket booth at the cable car turnaround at Powell and Market Streets. If you don't buy a pass, a one way fare with a 90 minute transfer is only $2 for the buses and streetcars, and a one way ticket for the cable car is $5.
Restaurant Capital
San Franciscans and other Bay Area residents love to dine out in SF, filling up restaurants every night of the week. There are only a handful of restaurants that request the gentlemen to wear jackets, and a button down shirt or blouse with jeans is acceptable almost everywhere. After all, we are the home of Levi Strauss. And you won't have to spend a lot of money to get great food; head down to the Mission District for healthy cheap eats.
¿SABÍA QUÉ? ?
Angel Island
Angel Island is the West Coast's version of Ellis Island where over 175,000 Chinese and Japanese immigrants waited for entry to the US. Now it is a tranquil retreat with bike and hiking trails, and even a few campsites. Ferries leave daily from Pier 39, or from Tiburon across the bay.
Maltese Falcon
Author Dashiell Hammett wrote the book "The Maltese Falcon" and one of his haunts was John's Grill on Ellis Street. Opened in 1908, John's Grill hasn't changed their menu much; fresh steaks and local seafood. Sam Spade was very fond of the lamb chops, or so the books tell us. You can order them as well, as they are still on the menu.
Our Song
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" was written by Douglass Cross and George Cory. After you have been with us here in our beautiful city for a few days, we bet that you will lose your's here too.
QUÉ METER EN LA MALETA
Dress in layers
Our city is known for its many microclimates. Dress in layers as the weather can be cool and foggy one minute, then warm and pleasant the next. Sweaters are not really necessary, but a sweatshirt or wind breaker is always helpful. You won't find many of the local women wearing sun dresses here in town due to the wind and weather; pants and fitted skirts work best. And don't forget a hat and some sunscreen, as when the sun shines it's stronger than you'd expect.
Comfortable Shoes
San Francisco has a lot of hills, and walking is the best way to see the city. Bring some shoes that you can walk comfortably in, and forget the flip flops; the beach is cold and the city sidewalks are not the place for open toed shoes.
Small bills
Avoid carrying $100 bills with you as you'll find that many small shops don't accept anything over $20.